Turkic Culture in Shusha: The II Festival of Young Poets of the Turkic World wrapped up in Shusha, honoring Molla Panah Vagif and bringing together young writers from Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkey and Turkmenistan, with TURKSOY and Azerbaijan’s Culture Ministry backing literary exchanges and new book launches. Security Cooperation: Azerbaijan’s Special Forces took part in the joint “Zulfiqar” counterterrorism and special operations exercise in Jordan alongside units from Jordan, Türkiye and Pakistan, including urban assault, hostage rescue and live-fire drills. Repatriation from Syria: Azerbaijan repatriated 16 more citizens from Syria, including seven women and nine children, after identity checks and medical/psychological assessments, with reintegration steps promised. Employment Push: President Ilham Aliyev approved an action plan to implement Azerbaijan’s Employment Strategy for 2026–2030, tasking the labor ministry with annual reporting and monitoring. Regional Tensions: Iran’s president called the standoff with the US a “full-scale war” as Washington widened strikes, with oil prices rising amid renewed Hormuz-related risks. Energy/Trade Links: Azerbaijan–Germany ties are expanding beyond oil and gas, with over 250 German firms operating in Azerbaijan and bilateral trade reaching about €1.7bn in 2025. Diplomatic Note: Azerbaijan congratulated Colombia on Independence Day, reaffirming active embassy-to-embassy relations.